Viking-Mars Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On March 25, 2026, the cruise ship 'Viking Mars' successfully evaded detention at the port of Split following a thorough inspection conducted under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The inspection scrutinized various critical areas of the vessel, including accommodations, the engine room, decks, forecastle, and navigation bridge. During this examination, essential functional tests were executed on several safety systems, including fire doors, fire detection systems, watertight doors, bilge alarms, quick-closing valves, and the overall fire alarm. After swiftly addressing the identified concerns, the 'Viking Mars' was granted clearance and departed Split later that same day, setting its course for Kotor, where it arrived on March 27, 2026.

During a recent voyage of the 'Viking Mars', a total of 62 passengers out of 887 reported illness attributed to norovirus symptoms. This incident took place on a cruise that concluded on January 24, 2025. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially classified the causative agent as unknown, it was confirmed that nine crew members also fell ill. The 'Viking Mars' set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 10, 2025, heading towards the Panama Canal, when the outbreak occurred.

Wenceslao Esguerra Donasco, a Filipino crew member aboard the 'Viking Mars', tragically passed away in a hospital following an accident that occurred on August 18. The incident took place near Saltburn Pier in Invergordon, Scotland, prompting a swift response from local authorities. Police Scotland received notification of the accident around 11 a.m. The man, who was in his 40s, was quickly airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, located approximately 120 miles from Invergordon. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries a few hours later. In the aftermath, a report has been filed with the Procurator Fiscal, which oversees public prosecutions and death investigations in Scotland. For more information and images related to this incident, visit the Daily Record's coverage: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/first-picture-cruise-ship-worker-30762945.

On August 18, 2023, emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene of the Viking Mars, which was docked at Saltburn Pier in Invergordon. A 40-year-old crew member suffered injuries after a fall from the cruise ship around 11 a.m. The response team included two ambulances, a specialized trauma unit, and an air ambulance. The injured individual was airlifted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for medical attention, ensuring he received prompt care following the incident.